The TVDE sector (individual and paid passenger transport in unmarked vehicles) has grown exponentially in Portugal in recent years. Thousands of drivers operate daily through platforms such as Uber, Bolt and Free Now, yet a significant proportion are unaware of their legal insurance obligations. The consequences can be severe: heavy fines, inability to operate and, above all, lack of protection in the event of an accident.
This guide was created to clarify every question related to TVDE insurance in Portugal: what the law requires, which coverages are necessary, how much it costs on average and how to choose the right policy to protect your professional activity.
The legal framework for TVDE activity
TVDE activity in Portugal is regulated by Law No. 45/2018, of 10 August, which established the legal regime applicable to individual and paid passenger transport in unmarked vehicles. This legislation set clear requirements for drivers, operators and electronic platforms, including specific insurance obligations.
To carry out the activity, the driver must be linked to a TVDE operator licensed by the IMT (Institute for Mobility and Transport). The operator, in turn, is responsible for ensuring that all vehicles in its fleet have the mandatory insurance in force.
The fundamental requirements include:
- TVDE operator licence: issued by the IMT, mandatory for any entity operating in the sector
- TVDE driver certificate: the driver must have specific training and valid certification
- Vehicle under 7 years old: a mandatory requirement to operate on the platforms
- Mandatory insurance: motor third-party liability insurance and personal accident insurance for passengers
- Periodic technical inspection (IPO): the vehicle must be in proper technical condition
Mandatory insurance for TVDE: what the law says
TVDE legislation requires two distinct types of insurance that complement each other to ensure the protection of all parties involved in the transport:
1. Motor third-party liability insurance
This is the same mandatory insurance for any vehicle in Portugal, but with a crucial specificity: the policy must cover the professional use of the vehicle for paid passenger transport. A standard personal motor insurance policy does not cover TVDE activity. If a driver has an accident during a TVDE trip with personal insurance, the insurer can refuse coverage, leaving the driver personally liable for all damages.
The minimum mandatory capital in 2026 is:
- Bodily injury: €6,450,000 per claim
- Property damage: €1,300,000 per claim
2. Personal accident insurance for passengers
In addition to third-party liability insurance, Law No. 45/2018 requires personal accident insurance that specifically covers transported passengers. This insurance provides compensation in the event of death, permanent disability or treatment expenses resulting from accidents during transport.
This insurance must cover:
- Accidental death: minimum capital defined in the policy conditions
- Permanent disability: compensation proportional to the degree of incapacity
- Treatment expenses: coverage of medical and hospital costs arising from the accident
The absence of either of these insurance policies can result in the suspension or revocation of the TVDE operator licence, in addition to fines that can reach thousands of euros.
Recommended coverages beyond the legal minimum
Meeting the legal minimum is the starting point, but professional TVDE drivers should consider additional coverages that protect their investment and business continuity:
- Own damage (comprehensive cover): protects the driver's vehicle in case of an at-fault accident, vandalism or natural events. Essential for vehicles purchased on credit or lease
- 24h roadside assistance: towing, replacement vehicle and mechanical support. For those who depend on the car for work, being stranded without assistance means lost income
- Legal protection: coverage of legal expenses in case of disputes arising from accidents or conflicts with passengers
- Personal accident insurance for the driver: third-party liability does not cover the driver. Personal accident insurance provides compensation for driver injuries
- Windscreen cover: a frequent and relatively low-cost coverage that avoids unexpected expenses
- Replacement vehicle: ensures an alternative vehicle while yours is being repaired, minimising income loss
How much does TVDE insurance cost in Portugal?
The cost of TVDE insurance is significantly higher than standard personal motor insurance, reflecting the greater risk associated with intensive professional use. Costs vary considerably depending on several factors, but indicative ranges are:
- Third-party liability with TVDE cover (legal minimum): between €1,200 and €2,500 per year, depending on the driver's age, claims history and vehicle characteristics
- Comprehensive cover with TVDE coverage: between €2,500 and €4,500 per year, including own damage, roadside assistance and complementary coverages
- Personal accident insurance for passengers: between €150 and €400 per year, depending on the capitals contracted
These are indicative values and can vary significantly between insurers. High annual mileage (many TVDE drivers cover more than 60,000 km per year), operating area (Lisbon and Porto are more expensive) and the driver's age are the factors with the greatest impact on the premium.
TVDE insurance is a fixed operating cost. It should be calculated as part of the business plan, not treated as a secondary expense to be minimised at all costs.
Common mistakes TVDE drivers make with insurance
In our experience as specialist brokers, we have identified several recurring errors that put TVDE drivers at risk:
- Using personal insurance for TVDE activity: this is the most serious and most common mistake. The insurer can and will refuse coverage in the event of a claim during a TVDE trip if the policy does not cover professional use
- Not verifying the operator's insurance is up to date: as a driver, your protection depends on the insurance contracted by the operator. Request copies of policies and regularly confirm their validity
- Choosing based solely on the lowest price: insufficient coverage or excessively high excesses can turn an apparent saving into a significant real loss
- Not declaring actual mileage: under-declaring kilometres to obtain a lower premium may lead the insurer to reduce or refuse compensation
- Ignoring personal accident insurance for the driver: TVDE drivers face daily risks. An accident that prevents working for weeks or months can have devastating financial consequences without this coverage
How to choose the best TVDE insurance
Selecting the right TVDE insurance requires careful analysis that goes beyond simple price comparison. These are the criteria we recommend evaluating:
- Confirm TVDE coverage: expressly verify that the policy covers paid passenger transport. Get it in writing
- Assess the excess level: a very high excess may seem attractive for its lower premium, but in an intensively used vehicle, minor claims are frequent
- Check roadside assistance limits: number of tows per year, kilometres covered, availability of a replacement vehicle
- Compare the claims management process: speed in resolving claims is critical for those who depend on the vehicle to generate income
- Consult a specialist broker: a broker with experience in TVDE insurance knows the sector's particularities and has access to negotiated terms with multiple insurers
The role of the insurance broker in TVDE activity
The TVDE insurance market in Portugal is still relatively young, and not all insurers offer products specifically designed for this activity. Finding the right coverage at the best price requires market knowledge and negotiating ability that a specialist broker provides.
At Adler & Rochefort, we work with TVDE drivers and operators across the country. Our approach includes:
- Risk profile analysis: we assess the specific situation of each TVDE driver or fleet
- Negotiation with multiple insurers: we obtain competitive proposals from several companies simultaneously
- Claims management support: when an accident occurs, we handle the entire process to minimise downtime
- Annual review of conditions: the market evolves and conditions can improve. We ensure the policy is always optimised
TVDE is your business. Protecting it with the right insurance is not a cost — it is an investment in the continuity and sustainability of your operation.
Conclusion: protect your TVDE activity with the right coverages
Operating as a TVDE driver in Portugal requires more than a good vehicle and availability. It demands adequate protection that ensures business continuity in any scenario. The right insurance protects you, your passengers and your investment.
Do not risk your livelihood with insufficient coverage or policies that do not contemplate professional use. At Adler & Rochefort, we analyse your situation free of charge, compare the best options on the market and present the solution that best balances protection and cost. No commitment.